The HCM City Department of Transport has approved the May 19 Bus Cooperative to invest 23 buses using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
These new buses will ply between An Suong Bus Stop in Hoc Mon District and the National University in Thu Duc District. They will replace the old buses operating on route 33 that are running on diesel fuel.
Saigon Transportation Mechanical Corporation (Samco) will produce buses worth VND2.75 billion of each and hand over the May 19 Bus Cooperative in July and August.
CNG is considered a clean fuel and comprises of compressed methane and ethane. The fuel has a high octane rating, meaning it is compressed and not highly inflammable. It vaporizes in the air without catching fire, thereby minimizing the risk of an explosion.
Municipal authorities hope that CNG-powered buses will reduce pollution in the city and save at least 40 per cent in operational costs, as compared to petrol-powered buses
